MICHAEL SCHUMACHER could make a shock return to Grand Prix racing as a team owner.

The German legend has been linked to Italian-based minnows Toro Rosso, the second team in the stable of Red Bull billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz.

Willi Webber, manager of the seven-times world champion who retired at the end of last season, said Schumacher is considering a return to the sport he has dominated for much of the last two decades.

"We go out shopping sometimes and there are billionaires who have second teams," said Webber.

"It's only one thought but I can see the sense in Michael buying an existing operation.

"If you are thinking like that it automatically rules out becoming boss at Ferrari. The reason? Such responsibility, work and stress to get the job done the way he would want to do it are not for Michael right now.

"Even if he had his own team there would be someone running it for him."

It is the first time in 16 years the sport has gone to the opening race without the German in its ranks and ex-champion Damon Hill has predicted an explosive power struggle to fill the vacuum.

A host of star names are looking to grab a slice of the glory that used to belong to the most controversial name the sport has ever seen.

Schumacher won 91 times in the 248 races he contested - better than one in every three starts.

"There are a lot of unknowns this year," said Hill, who beat Schumacher to the title in 1996.

"Without Michael around it is more of an level playing field.

"He dominated and he won close to 50 per cent of the races, so take him out of the equation and everyone has a chance."

Hill is leading the 'Back the Brits' campaign as home fans enjoy the strongest British entry in five years.

Jenson Button and David Coulthard are joined by ex-Honda test driver Anthony Davidson and rookie GP2 champion Lewis Hamilton at McLaren with world champion Fernando Alonso.